Using 3D Scanning to Work out the Layout of a Building

3D laser scanning is a modern method of capturing surface data by using laser scanners, which can capture the distances precisely. The technology of 3D scanning is also referred to as point cloud survey and there are advanced LIDAR, light detection and ranging applications used for this purpose. LIDAR is a combination of words light and radar, being used for this purpose.

Laser and allied technologies are used to generate high-end 3D imagery, which can be converted to the desired plans with the help of computer aided designing (CAD) modelling and building information modelling (BIM).

3D scanning techniques

The Instrumentation for 3D scanning consist of high-speed lasers combined with integrated cameras, which use tripod-mounted colour coding equipment. These new-generation instruments can now operate up to the range of 180 meters and can function at a speed of around 990,000 points per second.

Accuracy of 3D scanning technology3D scanning is found to be much quicker and moreover the most accurate mode of surveying and layout structuring of a building. It is also much cheaper when compared to the time taking conventional surveying methods.

The quality and accuracy of the 3D laser canning process will be depending upon the steadiness of the instrument base and also the distance to be covered. We can experience that the close range objects may achieve even a sub-millimetre accuracy. For a general terrestrial survey, 3D scanning technology may yield a maximum of +/– 2mm per 100m in terms of accuracy. If the distance is greater like 2 or 3 km, the accuracy may vary up to +/– 50mm or so.

Usage of 3D scanning in construction and property survey3D laser scanning offers one of the most robust methods in land surveying, especially at inaccessible surfaces and territories with complex geometry. All the available leading providers of CAD 3D software and the BIM suite now have built-in compatibility to allow their systems to be integrated with any operating systems and technical equipment to import and export data to cloud and create 3D visual graphics.

Now, the process of 3D scanning is made more accurate and surveys made easy with the use of drones and helicopters. This is one of the widely used method for capturing the exact topography details, especially of the existing structures and the townscapes. LIDAR, as we mentioned earlier, also has become highly useful in surveying the existing properties for the purpose of restructuring or refurbishment. LIDAR is now even widely used in surveys related to moving the rail bogeys and the road vehicles.

Industries using 3D laser scanning3D scanning has a myriad of applications in various industries lately. Some of the practical uses, but not limited to, generating accurate floor plans, site plans, construction plans, ceiling, elevations, inventories, mechanical layouts, and complete Building Information Models (BIM). 3D scanning methods are now widely used in industries like;